“For us, energy security is a clear indicator of successful multilateral diplomacy and cooperation. Along the route from the Caspian region to Europe, countries with shared perspectives have joined forces on projects that generate mutual benefit and shared success,” said Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, during the panel session titled “Multilateralism in Crisis: Rethinking Global Cooperation” at the Global Baku Forum.
Highlighting Azerbaijan’s engagement with Central Asia, Hajiyev noted that the country has been accepted as a full-fledged member of the Consultative Meetings of Heads of State of Central Asia. “This demonstrates that Azerbaijan aligns with countries sharing similar views and upholds the ‘middle power’ concept in its foreign policy,” he said.
“References to ‘middle power’ often focus on military capabilities or territorial size. While Azerbaijan identifies as a ‘middle power,’ we do not view it as a form of military rivalry. For us, the concept signifies a problem-solving approach and a commitment to contributing to regional and global agendas, advancing constructive initiatives, and fostering a positive international agenda,” Hajiyev emphasized.
